FAQs: COVID-19

What changes should I expect when checking in for my eye appointment?

• You will be asked to use hand sanitizer on the counter when checking in and before leaving the clinic.
• Masking is optional – anyone’s choice to wear a mask will be respected and supported.
• We may introduce universal masking at anytime based on disease activity, during respiratory illness season (flu, RSV, COVID) and based on CDC guidance and recommendations.
• Air purifiers located in exam rooms and other high-risk/high-density areas throughout the clinic.
• NOTE: if you/your caregiver are feeling unwell, please stay home and contact the clinic to reschedule your appointment. This will help to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients, clinic staff, and community.

Can I come in to the exam room with my child or parent with cognitive decline?

If that situation is absolutely necessary, you are welcome in the exam room. Otherwise the doctor will take time at the end of the exam to escort you back to discuss clinical findings and recommendations.

What is the clinic’s cleaning/disinfection protocol?

We care greatly about your health and safety so to protect our patients and staff you can expect the following:

• Hand washing with soap and water by doctor before each patient encounter.

• Direct contact exam equipment cleaned between each patient.

• The entire office is cleaned at the end of each clinic day.

Can COVID-19 affect the eyes?

It might be possible for coronavirus to cause a “pink eye” infection; but this is extremely rare. If you have a “pink eye” please call to let your eye doctor know and follow their instructions for care. Keep in mind that whether “pink eye” is caused by a virus or bacteria, it can spread if someone touches that sticky or runny discharge from the eyes, or touches the object contaminated by the discharge. This is another reason why it is important to frequently wash your hands with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Are contact lenses safe to wear during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As long as you are NOT experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, you can safely wear your contact lenses. Here are rules to follow for safely wearing contacts in all situations:

• Wash hands with soap and water before putting in your contacts and before removing your contacts.
• If you are using a monthly or biweekly contact lens, it is ideal to use a hydrogen peroxide based contact lens solution to store and clean your contact lenses. Make sure to store them for a minimum of 6 hours in the proper case designed for the care system. Refer to the care system solution instructions for further specification. An example of this type of cleaning system would be Alcon’s Clear Care or Clear Care Plus.
• Daily disposable contacts are to be discarded after each use at the end of that day’s wearing period.
• Remember to dispose your contact lenses at the correct replacement frequency. The replacement period is from the date you opened the new new pack of lenses, regardless of how may days over the month or two weeks that you wore the contact lenses.

Should you wear contact lenses if you have a cold or flu?

You should NOT wear contact lenses if you have a cold or flu. It is recommended that contact lenses be discontinued and current pair of contact lenses be disposed. Once the cold or flu has completely resolved, a new, fresh pair of contact lenses can be worn.

Should you disinfect spectacles and sunglasses?

Spectacles and sunglasses are on your face; it is important to clean them regularly. With COVID-19, cleaning them daily can be beneficial. A simple way to clean your glasses is with cold water and a mild dish soap (without lotion or bleach additive), making sure to clean all areas of the frame, nose pads and lenses. Then dry your frames with a clean, and soft (non-abrasive) towel. After that, you can further clean your lenses with a lens cleaner spray and lens cloth.

Does wearing my glasses protect from COVID-19?

Corrective glasses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets. However, keep in mind that they DO NOT provide 100% security. The virus can still reach your eyes from the open sides, tops and bottoms of your glasses. For better protection, you must use safety googles if you are caring for a sick patient or potentially exposed person.

Can I rub my eyes safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?

It can be hard to break this natural habit, but doing so will lower your risk of infection. If you feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even adjust your glasses, use a tissue instead of your fingers.

Can I still use my lubrication eyedrops or eye medications?

Yes, for example, dry eyes can lead to more rubbing of the eyes and eyelids. Remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after using your lubrication and/or prescription eyedrops.